One of Africa’s most celebrated literary works is officially headed to the big screen. EbonyLife Films has announced that the highly anticipated film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, will receive a global cinema release in December 2026.
The project marks a major return to theatrical filmmaking for EbonyLife after a five-year pause, a period during which the studio focused largely on streaming releases. In a move that underscores the scale and ambition of the film, the adaptation is being produced through an unprecedented collaboration between four African media powerhouses: EbonyLife Group, Genesis Group, Nile Group, and Silverbird Group.
Speaking on the significance of the project, Executive Producer Mo Abudu expressed her excitement about returning to cinemas:
“I am excited to return to the big screen after five years with the film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s world-acclaimed story. The strong partnerships with Genesis, Nile, and Silverbird, alongside our outstanding ensemble cast, reflect the scale of this project.”
Directed by Daniel Oriahi (Sylvia, The Weekend), the film boasts one of the largest ensemble casts ever assembled for a Nigerian feature. Odunlade Adekola leads the cast, joined by Iyabo Ojo, Bimbo Ademoye, Mercy Aigbe, and Omowunmi Dada. The impressive lineup also includes Shaffy Bello, Femi Branch, Bisola Aiyeola, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, Daniel Etim Effiong, and Tina Mba, among others.
For readers unfamiliar with the story, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives centers on Baba Segi, a wealthy and boastful patriarch whose carefully managed polygamous household begins to unravel when he takes a fourth wife, Bolanle, a university-educated woman. Her arrival sparks rivalry, suspicion, and ultimately the exposure of long-guarded secrets that the first three wives have gone to extraordinary lengths to conceal.
The screenplay has been adapted by Adze Ugah, with direct input from Lola Shoneyin herself, ensuring the film retains the novel’s sharp wit, emotional depth, and powerful social commentary. Moses Babatope, CEO of Nile Group, emphasized the film’s global ambition, noting:
“This is the kind of story that deserves a worldwide cinema audience. The scale of collaboration behind this project is unprecedented, and audiences across continents can expect something truly special this Christmas.”
With its literary pedigree, star-studded cast, and industry-defining collaboration, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is shaping up to be one of the most significant African cinematic releases of 2026.
